The Jameos del Agua auditorium hosted this Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. the Honors and Distinctions 2024 ceremony held by the Cabildo of Lanzarote.
The ceremony began with a musical performance by Almudena Hernández and her interpretation of "The Island and its Sounds", followed by the reading of the award granting act by the secretary of the Cabildo, Andrés Martín. Throughout the evening, the awards were presented, alternating with emotional videos that recounted the professional career of the honorees.
"This Honors and Distinctions ceremony is not just a formal recognition, it is an opportunity to stop, reflect, and recognize the impact that individuals and entities can have on a community like ours. And it is, above all, a demonstration of our society's gratitude towards those who have worked tirelessly to make Lanzarote and La Graciosa a better place," said the president of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, at the beginning of his speech.
One of the main honors was granted posthumously to the figure of Blas Cabrera Felipe (Arrecife, 1878. Mexico, 1945), the new Favorite Son of Lanzarote. Blas Cabrera is one of the most outstanding Spanish scientists of all time. He is considered the father of modern physics in Spain. He hosted Albert Einstein in 1923 and was part of the prestigious Scientific Committee of the Solvay Conferences in 1930.
On the other hand, Sebastiana Perera Brito is the new Favorite Daughter of Lanzarote. Until now, this honor had not been granted to any woman. Educator and social dynamizer, Perera played a crucial role as president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, launching initiatives such as the Insular Plan of Sociocultural Action and the Craft Fair. In addition, she founded the Milana Association for the recovery of culture linked to traditional agriculture.
Likewise, the plenary of the Cabildo has designated Antonio Corujo Tejera as Favorite Son (with exceptional character). Born in San Bartolomé in 1933, Antonio Corujo is a fundamental figure in the musical folklore of the island. Coming from a family of singers and dancers, he has dedicated his life to preserving and disseminating the traditional lyrics and dances of Lanzarote, especially through his work in the Rancho de Pascua of San Bartolomé.
And finally, Inés Dug Godoy (Fuente de Cantos, Badajoz, 1941) has been named Adoptive Daughter of Lanzarote. It is also the first time that this honor has been bestowed on a woman. A pioneering archaeologist, Dug Godoy has dedicated a large part of her career to the investigation of the Zonzamas site. Her work will always be linked to this very important site because her discoveries in this place have been fundamental to preserving the ancient history of Lanzarote.
Timanfaya de Oro, in its categories
Timanfaya de Oro for the Arts: Ildefonso Aguilar de la Rúa. With an outstanding career, Aguilar has managed to articulate his own voice on the island of Lanzarote, showing a unique perspective that reflects his personal vision of the territory, thus inspiring the creation of an austere and particular artistic universe. Among the artist's most outstanding achievements are more than a hundred individual and collective exhibitions in galleries, museums, and cultural centers around the world.
Timanfaya de Oro for Science: María Martín Díaz. An engineer and leader in data research at the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands PLOCAN, Martín promotes sustainable development and marine conservation, contributing to positioning the Canary Islands, Spain, and the European Union at the forefront of oceanic research.
Jameos de Oro, in its different categories
Jameo de Oro Social: The Mental Association El Cribo. Founded in 1992, El Cribo is a reference in mental health in Lanzarote, offering support and psychosocial rehabilitation to people with mental disorders and their families.
Jameo de Oro Economic: Grupo Cabrera Medina. It is a prestigious business group with a family structure that offers services throughout the Canary Islands and was created in 1967 by Don Mamerto Cabrera Medina.
Jameo de Oro Sports: Alejandro Hernández Hernández (Arrecife, 1982). Alejandro is a Spanish football referee of the First Division. In addition, since January 2014 he has been an international referee.
Jameo de Oro Traditional Culture: Francisco José Navarro Rodríguez. A radio announcer by profession, he received the Gold Badge of the Cabildo of Lanzarote in 2017 upon retiring after a career of 44 years.
Jameo de Oro Tourist: Club La Santa. It is a world-renowned accommodation center based on sports and exercise, wellness, health, and numerous social activities.
Jameo de Oro Humanitarian: Firefighters of Lanzarote. Recognized for their professionalism and dedication in protecting the community, the Firefighters of Lanzarote have been awarded in numerous national rescue and emergency competitions.
Jameo de Oro International Solidarity: Alberto Hugo Rojas. A photographer and reporter in conflict zones and refugee camps, Alberto Hugo Rojas is a member of the Reporters Without Borders collective and the NGO Peace in Construction.
Jameo de Oro Educational: Mercedes Medina Association. It was created in memory of Doña Mercedes Medina, a teacher from Lanzarote for many years. Since its founding in 2011, this association has awarded scholarships to students from Lanzarote, promoting equal opportunities in the academic field.
Jameo de Oro for Sustainability: Vidal Martín Martel (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 1968) has been studying cetaceans in the Canary archipelago for decades. He was co-founder and first president of the Spanish Cetacean Society (SEC), co-founder and director of the Cetacean Museum of the Canary Islands (MCC). He has directed numerous regional, national, and European research and conservation projects on cetaceans.
Jameo de Oro for Equality: ADEPSI Association. The ADEPSI association, present in Lanzarote since 2016, is a non-profit organization whose objective is the social and labor inclusion of people with disabilities and their families, promoting improvements in their quality of life.
Jameo de Oro for Cultural Heritage: Salinas de Janubio. These salt flats located in the municipality of Yaiza date from the end of 1895. The company Salinas de Janubio, SL, has obtained several awards for the quality of the salt, which it processes with traditional methods.
Honorary Advisor of the Cabildo of Lanzarote: Antonio Ramos Díaz “Toñín” (Arrecife, 1949). He began working at the Tourist Centers in 1968, keeping alive the original spirit of the Centers until his retirement. He was a close collaborator of César Manrique in the Centers of Art, Culture and Tourism, and a fundamental pillar in the cultural promotion of the island.
The president of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, closed the event highlighting the importance of the honorees as role models for future generations: "These distinctions are an invitation to reflect on the future we want for our islands. United, as the award winners have shown, we can overcome any challenge."
And he dedicated a few words to Antonio Ramos, 'Toñín', named Honorary Advisor of the Cabildo of Lanzarote. "Toñín is much more than a former worker and collaborator of the Centers of Art, Culture and Tourism; he is a living pillar of the identity of our island. Through his work and his character, Toñín has been able to embody the essence of Lanzarote and his enthusiasm and knowledge have been key to preserving and enhancing the treasures of our land."
The ceremony ended with a performance by Toñín Corujo (son) and the singer Tania Marcer, which gave way to the traditional family photo of all the award winners together with the authorities.
